Brussels, 02/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Commission on 1 July approved its communication on the eligibility of social partners to make applications for Community subsidies, in order to avoid any discrimination based on their legal status. In its introduction, the Commission explains that social dialogue is recognised as an essential part of the European model for society and development, along with quality social protection, investment in education and qualifications, and reforms to boost the economy. This dialogue is both an element of better democratic governance, and a force for modernisation and change, states the Commission. The Treaty, it points out, confers the responsibility for promoting and supporting social dialogue on the Community. This identifies social partners as potential beneficiaries of Community support for actions involving the implementation of article 138 of the Treaty.